I'd rather stay home
There was a party planned for Saturday, to celebrate the downfall of Hydra. The guest list was extensive and I was growing increasingly uncomfortable with the idea of so many strangers in the tower.
“You do own a dress, don’t you?” Tony’s tone was sarcastic as usual, he’d been acting a little odd since their return.
“Why?” I asked, non-plussed.
“You can’t come to my party in cargo pants Shirley-baby.” His smirk faded suddenly, my *anger* bleeding into his awareness. I was only annoyed, really, but if it would get him to quit calling me that, it would be worth it.
“Don't. call. me. baby. Do I look like a child to you?” “Second, I’m not going.”
“This party is to celebrate the Avengers victory over Hydra, the whole team is expected to be there. You know, meet, greet, shake hands, kiss babies…”
“Ok,” I started ticking off objections, “I’m not an Avenger, I’m support staff, pit crew. Nobody knows I exist.” I tapped the second finger, “I have been stuck inside for more than a month protecting Barnes, is he also attending?” and third, “I’m not a fan of crowds.”
“Take a chill pill Goldilocks, we can put the metal man in a box for one night, so you can let your hair down.” He waved away my protesting hands.
“Go ahead and lock me up instead…" pausing I considered the possibilities, "If I have to go, then he goes too.”
“Fine, but you’re still wearing a dress!” He walked away, always needing to have the last word.
“Crap.” This was going to be high-class soirée and I definitely didn’t have clothes for that sort of thing. Perhaps Natasha could help a girl out.
It took no convincing to get Nat to go shopping on my behalf I was only concerned that she was a little too excited, so I asked Clint to rein her in and gave them a list of my requirements.
“No spandex? You’re ruining all my fun!” Nat pretended a pout and I smacked her arm.
“Clint, I’m counting on you, Nat here would wrap me in plastic and feed me to the wolves.”
“Don’t give her ideas Shay!” Clint grinned.
I waved them out the door with my card. And prayed whatever they brought back wouldn’t be too uncomfortable.
-
They brought back three. And a selection of shoes and accessories, Nat admitted that Tony had paid for everything.
“You can always return anything you don’t like, but hey, Stark has spent money on stupider things.”
“That’s true enough.” I took in the pile of bags and boxes on my couch, sighing dramatically for the benefit of my audience.
“Come on, give us a show!” Nat smiled wickedly and Clint made a twirling motion with his hand.
“Fine” I grabbed the first dress box and closed the door of my room on my two enthusiastic friends.
The first dress was a warm blue retro inspired dress, a soft draping bodice, with a full skirt that fell a little below the knees. I swished my way into the living room, enjoying the swirling of the fabric.
“So, Nat, what’s the vision here?” I asked, curious why she had chosen this particular style.
“Well, this lovely number is just the dress to catch the eye of a certain Captain.” She smirked as Clint burst into laughter.
Trying to keep a straight face, I twirled again. “Perhaps another time.” I grabbed the second garment bag on my way to change again.
A royal blue, one shoulder jumpsuit a sheer cape flowing to the floor. I stepped out of my room with confidence.
“I like this one.” I turned, allowing the cape to swirl around me.
“Very intimidating, I love it!” Clint clapped, and Nat nodded approving.
“It’s good, but I still want to see you in the last one.” Nat insisted.
I reluctantly crawled out of the suit. Opening the last box, I saw a flash of green silk.
The dress fit beautifully, not too tight, with a supple drape. One strap of the dress was a metal snake, the tail coiled across the neckline, body draping around the back of my neck to reveal the emerald eyes over my collarbone. There was a generous side slit and… pockets!
“Now that, that’ll catch every eye for three blocks!” Nat said, clearly happy with the fit. Clint wolf whistled and I couldn’t help smiling.
“Well, if I must… at least I’ll have snack pockets.” I put both hands in the pockets and danced about like an oompa-loompa.
“I like this one! Can I adopt her?”
“No, she’s mine, find your own person.” Nat objected slapping Clint on the back.
“I already have one. You!” The friends bickering made me smile.
“So that’s the dresses, what’s in all these?” I gestured at the remaining parcels.
“Well, I know you don’t like carrying purses and its harder to conceal things in formal wear so…” Nat started pulling things out, “I got you an assortment.”
The first one was a thigh strap for a dagger. A holster for the taser I’d been given, a set of fore-arm straps, and one that could be worn on the front or back to conceal a knife.
“I also brought you a few more toys, just in case.” Her smile showed her teeth. A series of knives followed by a black handled dagger, another taser, and a few widow bites. She helped me to strap them on. “There, now you look as dangerous as you are.”
I groaned at the realization that there was still a box left. Shoes. “Can’t I just go barefoot? Me and heels do not get along.”
“But these, are not high heels” Clint opened the box. “We though this might be more your speed.”
Soft and flexible, black suede slippers sat nestled in paper. They were astoundingly comfortable, and with excellent grip I felt I could do anything in these. I sunk into the recliner with a deep sigh of relief.
“Now for your hair…” Clint was stepping forward his fingers twitching.
“I’ll let you do it tomorrow, but no more tonight. I beg you.” They helped me clean up and put my new things carefully away. “Thank you.” I pressed all the unspoken feelings into the hug I gave each of them, trying to impress on them how much I valued their friendship. “Now leave, I’m going to need my sleep for tomorrow.”
-
“I don’t want to go. A million things could go wrong, it’s a terrible idea.”
In another suite a few doors away Bucky stood, arms crossed, staring at his friend.
“Because Shay can’t go if you don’t. Besides, you love dancing!” Steve said, wondering at the reversal of roles from ages past.
“Who would dance with-” he gestured across his body ending on the metal arm “-this.”
“You’ll never know if you never ask.” Steve nudged his friend, encouraging.